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A year later, after making the FCS playoffs, the Western Illinois fan-base has low expectations for their team which lost a loaded senior class.

Despite the low expectations, many individuals in the fan base we’re gut punched by a late Montana State FG which gave Montana State the lead and additionally was a game winning FG.

It was a tough start for newly appointed Jared Elliot, who was promoted from the offensive coordinator of Western Illinois to their head coach this summer. It is quite expected for the overall quality of this team to regress as he attempts to make this his program.

Offense

The Leathernecks are returning a chunk of their offensive talent from a year ago. Firstly, and maybe the most important, is senior RB Steve McShane. He lead his team in receiving yards last year with 307 yards and combined with his fellow RB Max Norris for 1,238 rushing yards and 12 TD’s. Additionally, in his most recent game against Montana State he had quite the impressive stat-line with 11 carries for 76 yards 1 TD, 6 rec 40 yards 2 TD’s.

Western Illinois also returns their starting QB senior Sean Maguire. He had a fantastic season as well, throwing for 2,852 yards and 25 TD’s. He played pretty well for the first 3 quarters but eventually was the culprit of the final turnover that lost Western Illinois the game. His stat-line was 20-31, 164 yards, 2 TD’s and 2 INT’s. He’ll look to be much sharper in his next game.

Defense

If Western Illinois exceeds expectations this year, it will be because of their strong defensive unit. Some of the standout returnees of the defense include senior defensive back Justin Fitzpatrick who lead his team in interceptions last year (5). Included in this list is senior defensive line Khalen Saunders and senior linebacker Quentin Moon who lead Western Illinois in sacks (7.5) and tackles (70) respectively.

The extraordinary thing about these players is that they didn’t have that much of an impact against Montana State. That’s why this defense is such a strong group, they play together and as a unit. Expect it to cause problems early and often for the Illinois Fighting Illini this weekend.

Miscellaneous

Western Illinois has a okay Special Teams Unit led by RS sophomore punter Adam Feller. Against Montana State, he punted 5 times for 244 yards and 48.80 yards on average. The kicking unit is still suspect as it seems there are two kickers who could see time agianst the Illini this weekend. Sam Crosa and Nathan Erickson both attempted a FG a piece with Crosa going 1-1 and Erickson missing his only attempt.

The return game is where this special teams unit is at its best. RS sophomore WR Tony Tate had a big return of 63 yards during the Montana State game. He is an speedy and electric player that Illinois will have to keep their eyes on this weekend. Additionally RS freshman defensive back Andre Whitley is second on the kickoff return depth chart and is capable of making an impact in the return game.

Overall

This shouldn’t be much of a test in an ideal world, but it reamins to be seen which team will come out and play. It is important to understand that Western Illinois might have had a lot of turnover in the last year, however their players know how to win. That’s why I believe that Western Illinois will have a similar showing to that of Kent State this past weekend.

Western is hungry after a loss that should have never occured. They will come into Champaign with a nothing to lose kind of attitude, and be ready to play a competitive contest against the Illini. I am not sure which program needs the win more currently, but whoever gets this win can ride the momentum in to their next game. A loss to Western would severely damage bowl hopes for the Young illini who are likely to have many players Injured and suspended again.